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Chapter 212 - CHAPTER 212

Grudge

Uchiha Fugaku's expression was tinged with helplessness as Uchiha Shisui firmly declared his willingness to fight for both the Clan and the Village.

Fugaku spoke with quiet resignation.

"Shisui, it's not that simple. Even though the Konoha Military Police Force now includes you and a few of the Fourth Hokage's loyal Anbu, it also includes Chi Yu and Root operatives handpicked by Danzō. The path ahead for our Uchiha Clan will be extremely difficult."

Shisui responded at once, his tone unwavering.

"Clan Head, I won't allow them to do as they please."

Fugaku shook his head slowly.

"You can't stop them, Shisui. Not even the Fourth Hokage can. It's not about individual strength. Chi Yu isn't acting alone—he's Danzō's blade. And Danzō moves in the shadows, beyond the Fourth's reach."

Shisui's brows furrowed deeply. He trusted Minato Namikaze—respected him as a Hokage and as a man. He believed that Minato, of all people, could change the tide.

But Fugaku cut through his idealism.

"You must understand something, Shisui. Right now, the Fourth Hokage's authority is limited. Hiruzen may have stepped down, but he still manipulates things from behind the scenes. Then there's the Hokage Adviser Danzō Shimura—and the Senior Elders, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu."

He looked Shisui square in the eyes.

"Hiruzen is... neutral. But those two elders are wary of us. As for Danzō... he despises the Uchiha. Openly."

Shisui lowered his head slightly.

"Am I simply being naive...?"

"No," Fugaku said.

"You're earnest. That's not the same thing. But I am certain of one thing—our position will continue to deteriorate. Do you know why?"

Shisui didn't answer.

"Because of the two powers that were stripped from the Konoha Military Police Force." Fugaku's voice grew heavy.

"First, the right to set internal policies within the village. Without it, we can no longer shape or enforce laws as we once did. Those decisions now fall to the so-called 'Konoha Defense Force,' a puppet agency run by Chi Yu and, indirectly, by Danzō."

He paused.

"Second, the right to arrest ninja exhibiting criminal tendencies. That authority is now monopolized by the Defense Force. We, the Police Force, are reduced to arresting only civilians. Nothing more. The message is clear: we are no longer trusted to deal with our fellow shinobi."

He narrowed his eyes.

"Mark my words, Chi Yu will use that authority to systematically target us. And if it's within their jurisdiction, you can't legally interfere, can you?"

Shisui opened his mouth, but no words came. He knew Fugaku was right. The system was stacked.

Fugaku's voice softened, but remained firm.

"Even so, your appointment as Deputy Commander is not a bad thing. Your presence may serve as a deterrent. They won't act rashly. But they will work within the bounds of their control. That's why we must ensure none of our clan members give them an excuse."

He rested a hand on Shisui's shoulder.

"You're crucial to us, Shisui. The Fourth Hokage trusts you. You are our bridge to him. I've decided to stake the Clan's future on the Fourth Hokage—but we must proceed with caution. Watch him closely. Report to me if anything changes."

Shisui hesitated, unsure of what he was being asked.

Fugaku clarified.

"My father once believed that if the Uchiha distinguished themselves in the Third Shinobi World War, we'd be irreplaceable. That the elders would be forced to respect us. But he underestimated their fear—and their impatience."

His eyes darkened.

"Chi Yu moved against us before the war had even ended."

He paused again.

"After I succeeded my father, I ordered the clan to restrain itself. But now... the Fourth Hokage is the only one in power who has extended any real goodwill to us. That's why I'm gambling everything on him. Yet no one knows what his policies will be once he secures true control. If I misjudge him, I must be ready to withdraw our support immediately. Do you understand?"

Shisui fell silent.

He understood all too well—Fugaku wanted him to spy on the Hokage.

But the irony didn't escape him. As of now, Shisui was already quietly reporting Uchiha Clan affairs to Minato Namikaze. Now he was being ordered to turn around and do the same in reverse. Spy on the Hokage. For the Clan.

Fugaku watched Shisui closely.

"You must remember your roots, Shisui. You are Uchiha before anything else. The Clan comes first. Always."

Shisui's expression stiffened.

In his heart, he believed the opposite.

Konoha came first. Then the Clan.

He struggled to respond, but ultimately lowered his head.

"Understood, Clan Head."

As Shisui departed, Fugaku watched his retreating back.

A flicker of doubt passed through him.

Shisui is not entirely trustworthy...

---

Outside the meeting hall, Fugaku encountered his young son, Itachi, walking down the corridor.

The child stopped and bowed respectfully.

"Father."

Fugaku smiled faintly.

"Finished training?"

"Yes, Father."

"Good. Then rest early."

"You too, Father."

Itachi turned and walked away.

Fugaku watched him go, pride swelling in his chest. His son was only four years old, yet already composed, disciplined, and sharp of mind.

A true genius. If only he were older.

"If he were just a few years older," Fugaku murmured, "I would have made him the Deputy Commander instead of Shisui."

He trusted his own blood far more than even the most promising of outsiders.

Shisui's response today had planted a seed of doubt.

"Sigh..."

Fugaku turned and walked back to his chambers, lost in thought.

---

Meanwhile, in the Land of Water...

Uchiha Obito, under the guise of "Madara," had arrived in the Land of Water alongside Nagato (Pain) and Konan.

As promised, Obito had come to Hidden Mist Village seeking new members for the Akatsuki—specifically, shinobi suitable for the organization's long-term goals.

Their dark silhouettes disappeared into the mist as they began their search…

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